HISTORICS

Royal Ascot, Berkshire March 7

- Richard Coney

American cars have been thin on the ground at recent auctions held by Historics at Brooklands. Such was not the case on March 7 when they returned to Royal Ascot Racecourse in Berkshire for their annual sale at this prestigious venue. No less than 16 American cars were consigned 17 if you include the 1940 International Harvester tractor. Furthermore, despite the looming threat of Covid-19, bidders seemed enthusiastic, as the majority of models found new homes.

With such a plethora of desirable cars, we’ll start alphabetically. There were two Cadillacs on offer. A baseline 1965 Calais in a regal dark blue, originating from Toronto and in reasonable condition, was estimated at between £9000 and £12,000. It sold, but at a bargain £6792, including buyer’s commission. The second Caddy, a fully loaded metallic green 2001 Seville STS with no reserve, could only achieve £2830.

Of the six Chevrolets, all but one sold. There were two red 3100 half-ton pick-ups, both approaching museum quality. The 1950 version sold for £23,206 against an estimate of £28k-£32k and its 1954 sibling changed hands for £22,960, just exceeding its £18k-£22k estimate. The attractive two-tone silver and black 1956 Chevy Bel Air four-door hardtop was a 2019 import from Texas, estimated at £18k-£22k and replete with a small-block V8, auto and a tired red velour interior. It sold in a post-auction deal for a reasonable £14,500.